This time at the Olympics, hammer thrower, Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, got to compete, not only compete, but win a medal for the United States.
Three years ago, Echikunwoke arrived at the Tokyo Games ready to represent Nigeria, but she wound up needing to leave before even getting to take a throw.
Nigeria was among a handful of countries deemed “high risk” by track’s anti-doping regulators in the lead-up to those Olympics, forcing its athletes to be subjected to more drug testing.
Echikunwoke was among those from Nigeria who did not meet the requirement and so was not allowed to participate.
The 28-year-old was born in Ohio and originally decided to represent Nigeria because that’s where her parents are from. But after the issues in 2021, she switched her Olympic country to the U.S, and on Tuesday night became the first American woman to earn a Summer Games medal in the hammer, getting a silver. Canada’s Camryn Rogers won the gold with the bronze going to Zhao Jie of China.
She said she remembers that time in Tokyo so vividly, including not being able to walk in the opening ceremony.
Echikunwoke’s application to change what country she would compete for, finally came through at the last minute before the U.S nationals in 2022, and she earned a spot for the world championships that year.
Now, she’s an Olympic medalist for the United States.—NBC